Even in practice, Greg Robinson, left, was a force for Auburn (Todd Van Emst photo)

By Charles GoldbergAuburnTigers.com

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Greg Robinson, a central part of Auburn's offensive line the last two years, says he's headed to the NFL.

The tackle announced his intentions to leave the Tigers on Tuesday, a day after Auburn lost in the BCS Championship Game. Robinson helped pave the way for the Tigers to lead the nation in rushing this season.

Robinson thanked head coach Gus Malzahn, offensive line coach J.B. Grimes and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee in a tweet. He also thanked his teammates "and I love them all. Also thank you Auburn Family the best fans in college football."

Malzahn wished the redshirt sophomore well.

"Greg played a big part in our success this season and I appreciate everything he did as an Auburn Tiger during his career," Malzahn said in a statement. "He has a bright future ahead of him at the next level and we wish him nothing but the best."

Grimes tweeted "it's an honor to have served as Greg Robinson coach at Auburn. Great player -- great person! All the best to him and his family."

Defensive line coach Rodney Garner also wished Robinson well.

"Good Luck 2 my Bro Greg Robinson," Garner tweeted. "You played a major role in the biggest turnaround in college football history."

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. rated Robinson as the ninth overall player in the draft, making that call on Dec. 20, weeks before Robinson announced his intentions. "Has risen more than any prospect this season and may not be done," he wrote.